What: All Issues :
War & Peace :
Nuclear Weapons :
HR 4546. Defense Authorization for 2003/Vote to Allow Consideration of a Bill to Authorize Spending on a Missile
Defense Program and Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons and Exempt the Military from Environmental Regulations.
(2002 house Roll Call 135)

Who:
All Members

To find out how your Members of Congress voted on this bill, use the form on the right.

HR 4546. Defense Authorization for 2003/Vote to Allow Consideration of a Bill to Authorize Spending on a Missile
Defense Program and Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons and Exempt the Military from Environmental Regulations.

The Republican proposal to authorize $383.4 billion in military programs for 2003 included a number of contentious provisions. The plan permitted the military to explore using small nuclear warheads in "conventional" warfare; it exempted military training exercises from some environmental regulations; and it authorized the beginnings of a missile defense system. Progressives felt it was unnecessary to lift environmental regulations for the sake of military preparedness. They also opposed using nuclear weapons for any purpose, and believed the missile defense system was ineffective and expensive. Because they opposed the bill itself, they also opposed its "rule": the set of instructions for debate that must be voted on separately in the House before a bill itself can be considered. In the midst of debating the rule for the defense authorization bill, Myrick (R-NC) moved to order the previous question, a way of ending debate and calling the rule to a vote. Because they opposed the bill and its rule, Progressives also opposed the motion for the previous question. Though they were joined by all other Democrats, their votes were not enough to kill the motion, which passed 215-202.